New Release Premium Shiraz: June 2019
17th June 2019
For those who have been following my reviews for some time, you will have noted that there are some wineries that get reviewed more often than others. One of those is Shingleback and another is Angove. Both wineries are making wines at a variety of price points that are class- leading.
When it comes to reviewing their new releases, I have tended to focus on the more affordable ranges, such as Red Knot and Hay Cutters (Shingleback) and Long Row and Family Crest (Angove), such is the quality of the wines offered.
But with the launch of the 2014 D Block Reserve from Shingleback and the 2016 Medhyk from Angove, the sheer quality of these wines cannot be ignored. Whilst the styles are very different, even at the $55 – $70 price point, they both represent great value given just how good they are.
I will be laying down both of these wines in the cellar for future enjoyment.
The other wine to stand out in this tasting was the 2016 William Randall Shiraz from Thorn Clark. Whilst not formally reviewed here, this was a restrained expression of Barossa Shiraz that will be brilliant in 15 – 20 years’ time (cork permitting).
Reviewed
Angove – Shiraz – The Medhyk – 2016 (18.5+/20pts – $80). Wow, this is a very serious wine indeed. Whilst the fruit is dense and structured, there is a silky approachability to the ripe fruit that is quite disarming. With air, the fruit really starts to shine, though the silky tannins creep up on the finish. A powerful wine that has been brilliantly made, but needs 20+ years to hit its peak. Enjoy with a rich beef dish now, but give it an hour or two in a decanter beforehand.
Shingleback – Shiraz – D Block – Reserve – 2014 (18.5+/20pts – $55). Sweet, rich, ripe fruit explodes from the glass. This is dense and powerful, yet is totally seductive and captivating. A different expression of McLaren Vale fruit, with a wonderful exuberance and silky, gossamer-fine tannins that makes this irresistible now. Will also age very well, in the cellar for a decade or more. Sealed with a natural cork.